NIM/MERGESONDE/M1 - Suspect rh_scaled values

MERGESONDE sometimes uses bad or questionable precipitable water vapor data to scale the 
relative humidity profiles provided by the rh_scaled field. In addition, this bad input 
data is not properly indicated by the vapor_source or qc_rh_scaled fields. This problem 
appears to typically occur when there is moisture impacting the microwave radiometer causing 
large spikes in brightness temperatures. During these periods the rh_scaled values are 
often saturated at 101% for much of the profile. 

A new version of the MERGESONDE VAP has corrected this problem, and these data will 
eventually be corrected by a reprocessing task.

Take care when using the data from the rh_scaled field, particularly during 

precipitation events. Check the stat2_pwv field from the MWRRET VAP, and/or the vap field from 
the MWR instrument for problems before using these data.

• rh_scaled
• vapor_source

• rh_scaled
• vapor_source